Materials Science Forum, Vol.396-4, 1691-1696, 2002
Nd : YAG laser beam welding of 6013 aluminium alloy sheet using different filler powders
Butt welds of 1.6 mm thick sheet of the alloy 6013-T4 were produced using a Nd:YAG laser and filler powders of different aluminium alloys. Microstructure, hardness, tensile properties and the corrosion behaviour of the welds were investigated in the as-welded condition and in the post-weld heat treated T6 temper. A dendritic solidification structure with interdendritic eutectic phases was observed in the fusion zone. Porosity was the prevailing weld defect. Artificial aging resulted in an increase of hardness in the fusion zone, indicating precipitation strengthening in the weld region. Joint efficiencies depended upon the filler powders used. Values between 75 and 90% were achieved for as welded joints. When heat treated to the T6 temper, the welds exhibited strengths ranging from 70 and 90% of the ultimate tensile strength of the base alloy 6013-T6. As indicated by cyclic acidified salt spray testing, the corrosion behaviour of the welds was similar to that of the base material, which was sensitive to pitting. Joints in the as welded condition were found to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in the heat affected zone.
Keywords:laser beam welding;filler powders;AA6013;microstructure;porosity;hardness;tensile properties;corrosion behaviour